National

Prime minister announces $1.3 billion for SkyTrain spur in Surrey and Langley, B.C.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Jul, 2021 01:01 PM

The federal government is providing up to $1.3 billion to extend Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain line through Surrey and Langley.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in Surrey today with the SkyTrain line in the background and several protesters yelling in the plaza behind him.

Happening now in Surrey, British Columbia: We’re announcing an investment in public transit that will make communities stronger and commutes shorter - and so much more. Tune in now for more information: https://t.co/Hr02p9Cg88
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 9, 2021

He says the extension is 16 kilometres long and includes 8 stations, 3 bus exchanges and 30 more SkyTrains.

Trudeau, who was flanked by Infrastructure Catherine McKenna, B.C. Premier John Horgan, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum and other politicians, says the project will create thousands of jobs and cut pollution.

We're a step closer to delivering on the Surrey ➡️ Langley SkyTrain.

People are getting back to commuting to work or school and coming together with family and friends.

It's critical we work in partnership to build the better, faster transit options British Columbians deserve.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) July 9, 2021

Anita Huberman, the CEO of Surrey Board and Trade is not as thrilled about the transit expansion announcement expressing her legitimate concerns in a Twitter post.

A portion of the skytrain may be at ground level as it is built to Langley which in essence is LRT. Many wanted LRT because it connected already dense neighborhoods of Surrey. This skytrain doesn’t. @brendalockebc https://t.co/fCgRqnq3Uu
— Anita Huberman (@anitahuberman) July 9, 2021

In 2018, Trudeau announced federal government funding for a light rail line through Surrey, but a newly elected council passed a motion just months later cancelling the system in favour of a SkyTrain extension linked to other Metro Vancouver cities.

Trudeau has made several campaign-style stops this week in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Birthday hug results in jewellery stolen from elderly woman, suspects involved of South Asian descent

The driver is described as a middle-aged South Asian man, with a beard. The passenger, who allegedly stole the victim’s jewelry, is described as a middle-aged South Asian woman.

Birthday hug results in jewellery stolen from elderly woman, suspects involved of South Asian descent

Restrictions to ease for fully vaccinated Cdns

After nearly 16 months of rigid travel restrictions, Canada is finally starting to loosen the rules — but only for a specific few. Effective Monday, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents — those who have had a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada — will be able to skip the 14-day quarantine.

Restrictions to ease for fully vaccinated Cdns

Canada to receive 3.7 million doses of COVID-19

The federal government is expecting to receive 3.7 million more doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, bringing the total of COVID-19 vaccine deliveries above 53.7 million doses.

Canada to receive 3.7 million doses of COVID-19

Out-of-province fire crews head to B.C.

Firefighting teams from Ontario and New Brunswick are arriving in British Columbia to assist with devastating wildfires. The BC Wildfire Service says the nearly 100 out-of-province members must pass COVID-19 safety checks before being sent into the field.

Out-of-province fire crews head to B.C.

7 dead in house fire near Calgary

7 people, including 4 children, have died in a house fire in a community just east of Calgary. The RCMP say two families were in the home in Chestermere when the fire happened early today.

7 dead in house fire near Calgary

Heat contributes to 719 deaths in just over a week in BC, 3 times the actual number of deaths that would take place in a week

719 sudden and unexpected deaths have been reported in the province during the historic heat wave, and that number over a seven-day period is unprecedented. Lisa Lapointe says the number of fatalities is three times more than what would normally occur during the same period.